What is Lent? Should Catholics abstain themselves from eating meat every single day during Lent season?


What is Lent? Should Catholics abstain themselves from eating meat every single day during Lent season?

The 40 days that precede Easter Sunday are known as Lent, and they are an important time in the Christian calendar. Ash Wednesday marks the start of it, while Holy Saturday marks its end. Believers use this time to prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christ's resurrection via prayer, fasting, and penance.



Why Abstain from Meat? The Tradition Explained

1. Historical Context

The Catholic Church used to forbid people from eating meat on Fridays. But this prohibition was loosened in 1966, allowing Catholics to eat meat on Fridays. The alteration was made in response to the faithful's changing requirements. The guidelines have been improved since then.


2. Current Guidelines

As per the present Church regulations, the days set aside for abstinence occur especially during Lent, which is the period of spiritual readiness for Easter. The salient points are as follows:

  • Ash Wednesday: Catholics over the age of 14 are obligated to abstain from meat and meat-based meals on this sombre day.
  • Fridays throughout Lent: The same meat-free rule is observed on all Fridays during Lent, including Good Friday.



3. Symbolism and Penance

Why the emphasis on meat? Giving up meat is a reflection of Jesus Christ's life. During Lent, Christians abstain from eating flesh meat on Fridays, commemorating Jesus' sacrifice of His flesh for humanity on Good Friday. Recognising sins and regaining faith in God is a type of penance.


4. What Can't You Eat on Fridays During Lent?

Catholics are not allowed to eat the following meats, which are prohibited and come from land animals:

  • Beef (cow)
  • Pork (pig)
  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Sheep
  • Etc.

Additionally, meat juices and liquid foods made from meat, such as broth, soups, gravies, sauces, and seasonings, are allowed.


5. Exceptions to the Rule

  • Youngsters and the elderly are typically excused from fasting and meat restrictions.
  • While giving up meat on Fridays during Lent is the minimal requirement, some Catholics choose to set more stringent rules for themselves.

As mentioned on the second point above, most people, or those who call themselves conservative Catholics, will abstain from consuming meat every single day and not just on every Friday during Lent season. These practices are most welcome, as they can be part of self-penance, self-reflection, or self-wishes to abstain from taking meat every day throughout the whole Lent season, but we should be reminded that these practices are not an obligation in Catholic practices. 


Catholics are not obliged to abstain from consuming meat every day during Lent season, as refraining from meat practices falls on Friday only during Lent season.

 

This happened when the parents, grandparents, and society as a whole frequently told them about the widespread custom practice, as was previously said. If we have any doubt, as Catholics, we should seek assistance from the church or search for the answer from a trusted online source, such as the Catholic website www.catholic.com or www.gotquestions.org.


Matthew 7:7-12

Ask, Seek, Knock

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

  

Recall that Lent is a season for introspection, compassion, and reaffirmation of faith rather than merely following diet rules. Therefore, let the Lenten season serve as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and an exhortation to live a life of love and selflessness, whether you're cooking a seafood feast or just enjoying a fish fry.


All in Christ's name.


Amen.




(This article was made possible by referring to various sources in the grace of the Holy Spirit)





Damian Surin

St. Aloysius Church, Mantin,

Negeri Sembilan









Location: Malaysia

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